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marathon Q&A

5/1/2017

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A long while ago I was asked to do an online Q&A about training for, and preparing for, a marathon. I though that now we are in January, a lot of people will be thinking about their training for marathons such as the Virgin Money London Marathon, Paris Marathon and Brighton Marathon.

You could also read this as...

A long while ago I was asked to do an online Q&A about training for, and preparing for, a marathon. I though that rather than trying to write a clever new blog, i'd be lazy and simply copy and paste!!

So here you are...


Q  What would you say is the best training plan for a first marathon?
A  One written by me! Seriously though, a personalised plan is best so that it is achievable and realistic around your other commitments.
 
Q  I get to around 20 miles in a marathon and then lose energy and need to be sick. My training to 20 miles is ok and I’ve been managing my fuelling ok. I managed my fuelling much better at Paris marathon and it helped but I still needed to stop and heave. Perhaps it is partly psychological? Do you think running a longer distance in training might help?
A  Are you definitely managing your fuelling ok? It sounds like you are getting low on fuel to me. Are you expecting ‘the wall’? There could be a psychological element happening as well. If you are ok up to 20 miles I would definitely consider trying longer in training, try 22 miles and see how that goes.
 
Q  Can you do marathon training on 2/3 runs per week with 1 PT session and 1 or 2 bootcamp sessions? My marathon is in 20 weeks time.
A  For sure as long as one of those runs is a long run to build your endurance.
 
Q  I am a hungry runner and struggle with anything over 2 hours. I use gels but what else would you suggest eating?
A   Gels are great if you can continuously take them throughout a whole marathon without feeling sick or getting stomach issue (I can’t!), shot bloks are a good alternative, as well as jelly babies, bananas, nuts.
 
Q  I would like to try my first ultra marathon next summer. Would that be ok after a spring marathon? I’m nervous.
A  A marathon in April is perfectly timed for building training for a summer ultra (distance wise). Just go for it. Any ultra up to 50km is achievable from marathon training.
 
Q  What is the most effective way to improve my endurance for marathon running?
A  Your long runs are vital for building your endurance up slowly. Never skip these sessions, without them, you’ll struggle to build the required endurance for a marathon.
 
Q  Can you do too many miles training for a marathon?
A  Many people do over train and it can be a big problem. A max of 40 miles per week is usually high enough for most people. The long runs are the most important.
 
Q  I have VLM in April, my 3rd marathon. What is the best pre-hab stengthener for hip flexors please?
A  There is a great article with exercises here.
 
Q  I want to ask about speed. How do I increase my speed for a 26.2?
A  There are a few ways – tempo runs, intervals and hill sessions will all be hugely beneficial. Make all your sessions count and mix it up a bit to keep it interesting.
 
Q Back to back marathons – How close is too close together?
A  This depends on your training plan, your fitness levels and your goals. I would recommend a good month of taking it easier after a tough marathon.
 


​
Clever new blog may follow soon, watch this space!

​If you are interested in Marathon coaching, check out the options here. 
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    Matt Buck

    I own Running Adventures.

    This is where you will see what's going on, the adventures I've been on and running advice and tips.

    Please do get in touch for coaching, adventures, opportunities to work together or just a chat.


    matt@runningadventures.uk

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  • ABOUT
    • REVIEWS
  • COACHING
    • ULTRA RACE COACHING
    • TRAIL RACE COACHING
    • MARATHON DES SABLES COACHING
    • DRAGONS BACK RACE COACHING
    • COUCH TO 5KM COACHING
    • 1-2-1 CONSULTATION
    • 1-2-1 COACHING SESSION
    • RUNNING POLES WORKSHOP
    • STRONGER FOR TRAILS HUB
  • WORKSHOPS
    • TRAIL RUNNING WORKSHOP - GUILDFORD
  • GUIDED RUNS
    • TAILORED RUN SERVICE
    • SILENT POOL 10KM
    • HANKLEY COMMON 10KM
    • DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL 10KM
    • SURREY HILLS 10 MILER
    • BOX HILL VERTICAL KM
    • MALVERN HILLS 18 MILER
    • NORTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SOUTH DOWNS WAY ULTRA RUN
    • GREENSAND WAY ULTRA RUN
    • SERPENT TRAIL ULTRA RUN
    • ISLE OF WIGHT ULTRA RUN
  • TRAIL WEEKENDS
    • EL CHORRO 2023
    • SNOWDONIA MOUNTAIN SKILLS WEEKEND 2023
    • PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK 2023
    • SUMMER CAMP 2023
    • LANZAROTE 2023
    • PORTUGAL 2023
  • MERCH
  • CONTACT